Sarah Ferguson Mourns Slain Former Personal Assistant Jenean Chapman

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, took to Instagram Saturday to share her support for the family of a former personal assistant, Jenean Chapman, who was murdered in Dallas on September 25.

“I am shocked and saddened to learn that Jenean Chapman, who worked with me as my personal assistant many years ago, has been murdered in Dallas aged just 46. A suspect is in custody,” she wrote.

Chapman’s husband, James Patrick, was arrested on September 26 in connection with the murder.

“Jenean was loyal, hardworking, beautiful and fun and my heart breaks for her family and friends,” Ferguson continued in her caption alongside a photo of herself and Chapman, as well as a smiling solo shot of Chapman. “I heard from her just a couple of months ago and she seemed so happy. Her family is raising money to transport her body back to New York City and pay for legal and funeral costs.”

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The duchess said she’d donated to the GoFundMe organized by Chapman’s family, including a link for others to do the same, and added that she “will be supporting the family in any way possible.”

Crystal Marshall, who identified herself on Instagram as Chapman’s sister, thanked Ferguson in her own post for bringing attention to the “heinous and senseless crime against my sister.”

“There are no words to describe how devastated we are,” she wrote.

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